Tokyo 2020 OlympicsWith a global audience of more than 3,000 million viewers, it was the most watched in history, according to a study prepared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and published on Wednesday.
The Lausanne-based body confirmed that, although it was closed to the public in person for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it delivered the largest Olympic broadcast in history.
The official coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Games, via digital platforms and associated channels, achieved a total of 28 thousand million video views, which is an increase of 139% compared to the previous Rio 2016 games, the report indicated.
In addition, the study reports that the total volume of television coverage available increased by 33% compared to Rio 2016, while digital production achieved this by 34%.
IOC President Thomas Bach stressed at a press conference that these data reflect the success of Tokyo 2020, as well as the changing communications landscape and greater interaction of young audiences with the Olympic Games.
Bach also announced the launch of a humanitarian aid package targeting the Olympic and Paralympic community in Afghanistan, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Approximately 2,000 people will benefit from the package with an endowment of $256 each.
Regarding the diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, which was initiated by the United States last week and joined by the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, in protest of “human rights abuse” in the Asian giant, the International Olympic Committee has insisted on its policy. neutrality.
“Political neutrality has been a core value of the Olympic Games since its inception and in these moments of political confrontation is more important than ever,” Bach said.
“We have believed from the IOC that it is important for all athletes from member countries to participate and ensure that the integrity of the competition is not compromised,” he added.
Finally, he referred once again to the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, whose whereabouts and health condition are in doubt after he denounced on a social network that former Vice Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.
We will continue to follow you through video conferencing. The priority is to ensure their physical safety, which is one of the basic human rights.
